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On November 11, 2015, Veteran’s Day, there will be an event held at Gilhooley’s in honor of Saint Xavier University’s student veterans. The event, hosted in collaboration with Alumni and Parent Relations, the Student Veteran Alliance, and Gilhooley’s, will be held between 5 and 7 pm.
Any student, staff member, or faculty member who is interested in attending can do so by sending an RSVP to Alumni Relations. In an interview via email with Sherri Gross, Compliance Advisor for Veterans and Athletes, information and insight was shared about this event and the Student Veteran Alliance. Additional information was provided by Stephanie Stavrenos, the Student Veteran Alliance President.
Stavrenos explains that, in the past, this Veteran’s Day Celebration was hosted by the Student Veteran Alliance. This year, they are grateful to have the Office of Student and Alumni Relations as their host.
“The Student Veteran Alliance is not organizing it this year, last year we did help organize a Marine Corp birthday party at Gilhooley’s. This year, it’s actually an event that’s being throw for us, which is amazing,” said Stavrenos.
The event is sure to be a great success with all of its support and organization. Stavrenos expresses some of the things she is most excited for come the Veteran’s Day event.
“I love when we are able to get our veterans together outside of the classroom or off-campus. It’s nice to see everyone in a social environment because sometimes there’s a stressful transition for the veterans to come to a university. It’s important for us to support each other. When we have events like this, there are several veterans that bring their children to events. It’s always good to get together with everyone,” said Stavrenos.
Stavrenos continues on about the successes of the Student Veteran Alliance at SXU, which may not be known by many students at the university. “Our Student Veteran Alliance chapter is part of a national organization: Student Veterans of America. Even though this is a small school and people outside of the area have never heard of it, in Washington DC, at their headquarters, they know who we are because of our veteran presence and since we have such a great relation with the university,” said Stavrenos.
Continuing on with the successes of the department, Gross speaks about the importance of an event such as the Veteran’s Day Celebration on SXU’s campus. As the department grows, it is important to recognize its success.
“Our student veterans are becoming a larger, more active part of the SXU community, and it is important recognize what they add to our university culture–honor, integrity, and a commitment to excellence. Opening up an event to non-military students, staff, and faculty gives everyone the opportunity to get to know them and make a connection to them not just through their service, but on a more personal level,” said Gross.
For students who are interested in volunteering with the Student Veteran Alliance, there are a few opportunities to do so. One of the biggest events held on campus each year is the Toys for Tots charity, where students, staff, faculty, and community members can donate toys for children in need during the holiday season. This is a great way to give back to the community. Gross expands upon the idea of volunteer opportunities and hopes that all students will take part in these occasions.
“The SVA welcomes collaborative opportunities with other students and student organizations–they volunteer in the community, hold social gatherings, and attend networking events throughout the year. Additionally, the SVA is open to veterans, family members, and supporters. Students need not have served to be a part of the organization. Coming up for the holiday season, the SVA is holding their 4th annual Toys for Tots drive through the Marine Reserves. ” said Gross.
For students, staff, or faculty interested in attending the Veteran’s Day Celebration or finding out more information about the event, they can email alumni@sxu.edu, the Office of Alumni and Parent Relations with any questions.
Julie Gardner
Senior News Editor
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